Le Sport avant les Jeux exhibition at the Maison de Balzac

In the first half of the 19th century, physical exercise was popularized through leisure activities. "Jeu de Paume", the forerunner of tennis, was still played on the Champs-Élysées, but the era was marked above all by the appearance of swimming pools (wooden structures set up in the Seine), and the opening of fencing, baton and boxing halls. Horse-riding was practiced at the Tuileries or in the Bois de Boulogne, and boat races were held on the Seine…
What's the connection between the performances captured by Honoré Daumier or Gavarni back then and athletes competing for medals today? Visitors will be able to judge whether or not the Olympic motto "citius, altius, fortius" (faster, higher, stronger) applies to Parisians indulging in leisure activities…